Same Old Cardinals (1 Viewer)

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Yes, I know this is the time you're supposed to pity the Super Bowl loser and heap praise on their gritty performance and blah blah blah. I expect to hear from

* Steelers fans willing to toss out some praise to the team that never wins anything as they celebrate their sixth world title. It's easy to be generous when you just won a Super Bowl. They're a dominant franchise.

* Cardinals fans who want to rationalize the loss and claim satisfaction for the season they had because they "never expected to get that far." The truth is that all of you recorded the game and none of you will ever watch it from beginning to end again in your entire lives.

* Fans of neither team praising a fantastic game and excellent end to the season. I have to agree here-- very entertianing game and each team gave it all they had. But it doesn't change the fact that I think the Cards will go back to the same old same old in 2009.

They still have Bidwell. They might not keep Warner, Boldin or James. The 49ers are an up and coming team and could threaten the division. A magical run like this is special and only happens every so often.

The Cardinals had every chance in the world to seal the deal and put a cap on something they'd never forget. They had the lead and the Steelers had 3rd-and-6 (I think ) in their own territory. But they blinked and it's all over. Like the Falcons and Seahawks, they're simply a team on the other end of the highlight reel when we watch past Super Bowls.

I'm afraid that three, five and ten years from now we'll have to be reminded of that time when the Cardinals came close that one year. Instead their fans have to congratulate the Steelers and accept defeat and an uncertain offseason. I really think that when chances like this happen you have to take advantage. Arizona didn't and now they're just another team that had a nice run. No ring, no title, and I doubt they'll get many votes to repeat as conference champs in 2009. When they team goes back to its mediocre ways (but Bidwill has jacked up the price on tickets) I hope the fans will remember the good times. They were close, but not close enough.

I was rooting for them, by the way. But I expect to see Pittsburgh there again way before we'll see Arizona get close.

 

[drummer]

They still have Bidwell. They might not keep Warner, Boldin or James. The 49ers are an up and coming team and could threaten the division. A magical run like this is special and only happens every so often.

Lost it, right there.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Kind of reminds me of "Life is a whirling cesspool of despair, filled with moments of false hope in an ever darkening universe".

 

[Adebisi]

* Cardinals fans who want to rationalize the loss and claim satisfaction for the season they had because they "never expected to get that far." The truth is that all of you recorded the game and none of you will ever watch it from beginning to end again in your entire lives.

No one respects the Cardinals franchise. They're still a bunch of losers. It will take more than one Super Bowl loss to change that.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Kind of reminds me of "Life is a whirling cesspool of despair, filled with moments of false hope in an ever darkening universe".

For a football fan in Detroit, Cleveland or Arizona...sounds very accurate.

 

[SR388]

If only the Cards weren't robbed, i would have to agree with you. GARBAGE!

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

They still have Bidwell. They might not keep Warner, Boldin or James. The 49ers are an up and coming team and could threaten the division. A magical run like this is special and only happens every so often.

Lost it, right there.

I guess I'm a believer in what Singletary is selling. They were a tough team down the stetch and I think they'll start using Gore correctly. Not a Niners fan, but how can you not like Mike?

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Like the Falcons and Seahawks, they're simply a team on the other end of the highlight reel when we watch past Super Bowls.

I get that vibe too. Assuming Warner comes back, I think they'll win their division again next year, but I can't see them getting by all those teams in the NFC East and South in the playoffs again. If Warner retires or goes elsewhere and they turn it over to Leinart, they'll descend to mediocrity rather quickly.

 

[drummer]

They still have Bidwell. They might not keep Warner, Boldin or James. The 49ers are an up and coming team and could threaten the division. A magical run like this is special and only happens every so often.

Lost it, right there.

I guess I'm a believer in what Singletary is selling. They were a tough team down the stetch and I think they'll start using Gore correctly. Not a Niners fan, but how can you not like Mike?

Because he is starting to look like an African-American version of Mike Nolan?

 

[Enforcer]

They still have Bidwell. They might not keep Warner, Boldin or James. The 49ers are an up and coming team and could threaten the division. A magical run like this is special and only happens every so often.

Lost it, right there.

I agree with the OP. As a Seahawk fan I will be more concerned with S.F. than Arizona in the future. Bidwell will continue to be the albatross around the neck of this franchise. They had a shot. Came close, but no dice. I don't see them getting another shot like this in the near future. If I'm wrong, so be it, but I'm just telling you that I fear the 49er organization much more than the Cardinals.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

I've very proud of the Cardinals season. I love their offense, if they can keep Warner for a couple more years and resign Boldin, they might contend again. I look for them to draft another RB to compete next year, and their defense looked good in the playoffs (last drive tonight not withstanding). That Rodgers-Cromartie sp? kid looks like a keeper, and so does Dockett.

 

[PewterFan]

I'm not really sure what this thread is supposed to accomplished. Major props to the Cardinals for their season and congrates to the Steelers.

 

[drummer]

They still have Bidwell. They might not keep Warner, Boldin or James. The 49ers are an up and coming team and could threaten the division. A magical run like this is special and only happens every so often.

Lost it, right there.

I agree with the OP. As a Seahawk fan I will be more concerned with S.F. than Arizona in the future. Bidwell will continue to be the albatross around the neck of this franchise. They had a shot. Came close, but no dice. I don't see them getting another shot like this in the near future. If I'm wrong, so be it, but I'm just telling you that I fear the 49er organization much more than the Cardinals.

As far as that's concerned, you have nothing to fear. The last time the 49ers went to the playoffs, they fired their Head Coach. They haven't been there since.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I'm not really sure what this thread is supposed to accomplished. Major props to the Cardinals for their season.

Cards fans have to be proud of all of that. They were about a minute away from winning a Super Bowl with a 9 win team and after a disastrous turn of events to end the first half.

 

[thatguy]

If Warner stays, I don't see any reason they don't make the playoffs again next season. And with Warner at the helm in the post season, good things happen. As an owner of Warner in my dynasty league and as a fan of the game, I really hope Warner returns for at least one more season. The guy is money.

 

[ffldrew]

They still have Bidwell

This will be their problem - we have Armageddon coming to the NFL without a salary cap - a cap that Bidwell continually spent under. When it comes time to match wallets with Jerry Jones etc Bidwell will tighten the locks on his wallet.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I'm not really sure what this thread is supposed to accomplished. Major props to the Cardinals for their season.

Cards fans have to be proud of all of that. They were about a minute away from winning a Super Bowl with a 9 win team and after a disastrous turn of events to end the first half.

Like I said, I expect most to heap praise on the loser. Hey, be proud...hold your head up high...nothing to be ashamed of...etc. But when you don't win it all and played average at best during the regular season, it's not the same as a powerhouse falling short. It's just my analysis of the team that just lost the big game. People are free to disagree.

 

[BuddyKnuckles]

congrats, you are now the atlanta falcons. You had your one shot, now wallow in mediocrity for the next 20 or so years (if not more)

 

[Enforcer]

I'm not really sure what this thread is supposed to accomplished. Major props to the Cardinals for their season and congrates to the Steelers.

Accomplish? What does any thread accomplish? Are you saying that the present and future of the Cardinals as a franchise aren't worthy of discussion? Is there some reason that people shouldn't share their perceptions of the Cardinals as a franchise? My team plays Zona twice a year. I'll probably take a few moments now and then to consider their strengths and weaknesses. I might even take a moment to share my thoughts in a thread should the topic come up.

 

[The Jerk]

The simple facts that the Cardinals won their division for the first time in 33 years,

made a Super Bowl for the first time in its 43 years of existence,

won consecutive playoff games for the first time in 61 years...

I'd say it's not the same old Cardinals.

It's hard for any true Pittsburgh fan to not hurt a little for Whisenhunt, Grimm, Fitzgerald, Hayes and Breaston, in particular. Warner and Berry seem like HoF people and I'm sure there are many others I just don't know. I'm not surprised the Cardinals played so valiantly. Their resilience in the face of the end of the first half is not to be taken lightly.

In any case, while the hurt will probably last for awhile, by the time the draft rolls around and you realize exactly what was accomplished by this team I think you may feel a little differently. Now they better hold onto most of their key free agents...

 

[Enforcer]

They still have Bidwell

This will be their problem - we have Armageddon coming to the NFL without a salary cap - a cap that Bidwell continually spent under. When it comes time to match wallets with Jerry Jones etc Bidwell will tighten the locks on his wallet.

I agree, and mentioned it above too, but I didn't elaborate on the subject. My perception of the Cardinals is that they may spend money on a high priced skill position player (like Edge), but probably wouldn't on a high priced offensive or defensive linemen (L. Davis). IMO the guys in the trenches are more important for long term success.

 

[SofaKings]

Their defense will keep AZ very competitive at home and on the road.

 

[Eminence]

The team destroyed the roughest teams in the NFC, and nearly won the Super Bowl. To say you believe this team is suddenly going to slump is a sad sad assumption. They had nothing to play for down the stretch.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

The simple facts that the Cardinals won their division for the first time in 33 years,

made a Super Bowl for the first time in its 43 years of existence,

won consecutive playoff games for the first time in 61 years...

I'd say it's not the same old Cardinals.

It's hard for any true Pittsburgh fan to not hurt a little for Whisenhunt, Grimm, Fitzgerald, Hayes and Breaston, in particular. Warner and Berry seem like HoF people and I'm sure there are many others I just don't know. I'm not surprised the Cardinals played so valiantly. Their resilience in the face of the end of the first half is not to be taken lightly.

In any case, while the hurt will probably last for awhile, by the time the draft rolls around and you realize exactly what was accomplished by this team I think you may feel a little differently. Now they better hold onto most of their key free agents...

I meant that, now that the dream has been shattered, when the smoke clears...they're the same old cardinals. With so many questions at skill positions and the same ownership, I don't see them taking a step forward. The only thing they take from this season is more evidence that Fitz is a beast (if you didn't know it already) and conference championship gear. That's about it.

 

[Eminence]

The simple facts that the Cardinals won their division for the first time in 33 years,

made a Super Bowl for the first time in its 43 years of existence,

won consecutive playoff games for the first time in 61 years...

I'd say it's not the same old Cardinals.

It's hard for any true Pittsburgh fan to not hurt a little for Whisenhunt, Grimm, Fitzgerald, Hayes and Breaston, in particular. Warner and Berry seem like HoF people and I'm sure there are many others I just don't know. I'm not surprised the Cardinals played so valiantly. Their resilience in the face of the end of the first half is not to be taken lightly.

In any case, while the hurt will probably last for awhile, by the time the draft rolls around and you realize exactly what was accomplished by this team I think you may feel a little differently. Now they better hold onto most of their key free agents...

I meant that, now that the dream has been shattered, when the smoke clears...they're the same old cardinals. With so many questions at skill positions and the same ownership, I don't see them taking a step forward. The only thing they take from this season is more evidence that Fitz is a beast (if you didn't know it already) and conference championship gear. That's about it.

No. This is a team that has lived with a jinx, a curse. Now I don't believe in ridiculous superstitions, but this is a young team that knows they have what it takes to make it to the bowl.Coming this close and not winning will benefit the Cardinals immensely. Way better than going one or done, or not making the playoffs at all.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

The simple facts that the Cardinals won their division for the first time in 33 years,

made a Super Bowl for the first time in its 43 years of existence,

won consecutive playoff games for the first time in 61 years...

I'd say it's not the same old Cardinals.

It's hard for any true Pittsburgh fan to not hurt a little for Whisenhunt, Grimm, Fitzgerald, Hayes and Breaston, in particular. Warner and Berry seem like HoF people and I'm sure there are many others I just don't know. I'm not surprised the Cardinals played so valiantly. Their resilience in the face of the end of the first half is not to be taken lightly.

In any case, while the hurt will probably last for awhile, by the time the draft rolls around and you realize exactly what was accomplished by this team I think you may feel a little differently. Now they better hold onto most of their key free agents...

I meant that, now that the dream has been shattered, when the smoke clears...they're the same old cardinals. With so many questions at skill positions and the same ownership, I don't see them taking a step forward. The only thing they take from this season is more evidence that Fitz is a beast (if you didn't know it already) and conference championship gear. That's about it.

No. This is a team that has lived with a jinx, a curse. Now I don't believe in ridiculous superstitions, but this is a young team that knows they have what it takes to make it to the bowl.Coming this close and not winning will benefit the Cardinals immensely. Way better than going one or done, or not making the playoffs at all.

It's hard to provide a comparison, since few teams have been as inept as Arizona. But the Seahawks and Falcons didn't seem any better off for their Super Bowl loss. Atlantas was re-tooled to find some success but still never came that far, and Seattle has been faltering more and more each season. I'd like to know how losing the Super Bowl is going to benefit them more than going one and done. It's a nicer story, but they still fell short.

 

[Eminence]

The simple facts that the Cardinals won their division for the first time in 33 years,

made a Super Bowl for the first time in its 43 years of existence,

won consecutive playoff games for the first time in 61 years...

I'd say it's not the same old Cardinals.

It's hard for any true Pittsburgh fan to not hurt a little for Whisenhunt, Grimm, Fitzgerald, Hayes and Breaston, in particular. Warner and Berry seem like HoF people and I'm sure there are many others I just don't know. I'm not surprised the Cardinals played so valiantly. Their resilience in the face of the end of the first half is not to be taken lightly.

In any case, while the hurt will probably last for awhile, by the time the draft rolls around and you realize exactly what was accomplished by this team I think you may feel a little differently. Now they better hold onto most of their key free agents...

I meant that, now that the dream has been shattered, when the smoke clears...they're the same old cardinals. With so many questions at skill positions and the same ownership, I don't see them taking a step forward. The only thing they take from this season is more evidence that Fitz is a beast (if you didn't know it already) and conference championship gear. That's about it.

No. This is a team that has lived with a jinx, a curse. Now I don't believe in ridiculous superstitions, but this is a young team that knows they have what it takes to make it to the bowl.Coming this close and not winning will benefit the Cardinals immensely. Way better than going one or done, or not making the playoffs at all.

It's hard to provide a comparison, since few teams have been as inept as Arizona. But the Seahawks and Falcons didn't seem any better off for their Super Bowl loss. Atlantas was re-tooled to find some success but still never came that far, and Seattle has been faltering more and more each season. I'd like to know how losing the Super Bowl is going to benefit them more than going one and done. It's a nicer story, but they still fell short.

Simple. If they are one and done, they show the world they are nothing but a fluke. They nearly win a Super Bowl, they show the world they're a legit competitor. Easy concept. To group the Super Bowl losers into a category of ineptitude is rather humorous. Being the second best team in the NFL means insane regression? Whereas the other playoff teams should be just fine? Sorry don't see it.

 

[HellToupee]

keep Warner and the Cards oVVn the west next season

 

[drummer]

keep Warner and the Cards oVVn the west next season

They're the only team that isn't in transition in that division.

 

[Fumbleweed]

congrats, you are now the atlanta falcons. You had your one shot, now wallow in mediocrity for the next 20 or so years (if not more)

Except the Falcons never really challenged the Broncos in that Super Bowl. The Cardinals took Pittsburgh to the brink and then some. Big difference.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

The simple facts that the Cardinals won their division for the first time in 33 years,

made a Super Bowl for the first time in its 43 years of existence,

won consecutive playoff games for the first time in 61 years...

I'd say it's not the same old Cardinals.

It's hard for any true Pittsburgh fan to not hurt a little for Whisenhunt, Grimm, Fitzgerald, Hayes and Breaston, in particular. Warner and Berry seem like HoF people and I'm sure there are many others I just don't know. I'm not surprised the Cardinals played so valiantly. Their resilience in the face of the end of the first half is not to be taken lightly.

In any case, while the hurt will probably last for awhile, by the time the draft rolls around and you realize exactly what was accomplished by this team I think you may feel a little differently. Now they better hold onto most of their key free agents...

I meant that, now that the dream has been shattered, when the smoke clears...they're the same old cardinals. With so many questions at skill positions and the same ownership, I don't see them taking a step forward. The only thing they take from this season is more evidence that Fitz is a beast (if you didn't know it already) and conference championship gear. That's about it.

No. This is a team that has lived with a jinx, a curse. Now I don't believe in ridiculous superstitions, but this is a young team that knows they have what it takes to make it to the bowl.Coming this close and not winning will benefit the Cardinals immensely. Way better than going one or done, or not making the playoffs at all.

It's hard to provide a comparison, since few teams have been as inept as Arizona. But the Seahawks and Falcons didn't seem any better off for their Super Bowl loss. Atlantas was re-tooled to find some success but still never came that far, and Seattle has been faltering more and more each season. I'd like to know how losing the Super Bowl is going to benefit them more than going one and done. It's a nicer story, but they still fell short.

Simple. If they are one and done, they show the world they are nothing but a fluke. They nearly win a Super Bowl, they show the world they're a legit competitor. Easy concept. To group the Super Bowl losers into a category of ineptitude is rather humorous. Being the second best team in the NFL means insane regression? Whereas the other playoff teams should be just fine? Sorry don't see it.

Legit competitor for 2009? Not really. Nearly winning a Super Bowl nets you the same loss as getting blown out. And I don't think anyone believes the Cardinals are the second-best team in the NFL. They're just this year's Super Bowl losers. Nice run that gets them nothing in the end and they're still the Cardinals. Sounds mean, but those are the facts. If you go, you gotta win.

 

[HellToupee]

The simple facts that the Cardinals won their division for the first time in 33 years,

made a Super Bowl for the first time in its 43 years of existence,

won consecutive playoff games for the first time in 61 years...

I'd say it's not the same old Cardinals.

It's hard for any true Pittsburgh fan to not hurt a little for Whisenhunt, Grimm, Fitzgerald, Hayes and Breaston, in particular. Warner and Berry seem like HoF people and I'm sure there are many others I just don't know. I'm not surprised the Cardinals played so valiantly. Their resilience in the face of the end of the first half is not to be taken lightly.

In any case, while the hurt will probably last for awhile, by the time the draft rolls around and you realize exactly what was accomplished by this team I think you may feel a little differently. Now they better hold onto most of their key free agents...

I meant that, now that the dream has been shattered, when the smoke clears...they're the same old cardinals. With so many questions at skill positions and the same ownership, I don't see them taking a step forward. The only thing they take from this season is more evidence that Fitz is a beast (if you didn't know it already) and conference championship gear. That's about it.

No. This is a team that has lived with a jinx, a curse. Now I don't believe in ridiculous superstitions, but this is a young team that knows they have what it takes to make it to the bowl.Coming this close and not winning will benefit the Cardinals immensely. Way better than going one or done, or not making the playoffs at all.

It's hard to provide a comparison, since few teams have been as inept as Arizona. But the Seahawks and Falcons didn't seem any better off for their Super Bowl loss. Atlantas was re-tooled to find some success but still never came that far, and Seattle has been faltering more and more each season. I'd like to know how losing the Super Bowl is going to benefit them more than going one and done. It's a nicer story, but they still fell short.

Simple. If they are one and done, they show the world they are nothing but a fluke. They nearly win a Super Bowl, they show the world they're a legit competitor. Easy concept. To group the Super Bowl losers into a category of ineptitude is rather humorous. Being the second best team in the NFL means insane regression? Whereas the other playoff teams should be just fine? Sorry don't see it.

Legit competitor for 2009? Not really. Nearly winning a Super Bowl nets you the same loss as getting blown out. And I don't think anyone believes the Cardinals are the second-best team in the NFL. They're just this year's Super Bowl losers. Nice run that gets them nothing in the end and they're still the Cardinals. Sounds mean, but those are the facts. If you go, you gotta win.

but they are the best team in the west

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

congrats, you are now the atlanta falcons. You had your one shot, now wallow in mediocrity for the next 20 or so years (if not more)

Except the Falcons never really challenged the Broncos in that Super Bowl. The Cardinals took Pittsburgh to the brink and then some. Big difference.

What's the difference? You lost a closer game? You blew it at the end so that bodes well for the future? Really?

 

[drummer]

I'm not really sure what this thread is supposed to accomplished. Major props to the Cardinals for their season and congrates to the Steelers.

Accomplish? What does any thread accomplish? Are you saying that the present and future of the Cardinals as a franchise aren't worthy of discussion? Is there some reason that people shouldn't share their perceptions of the Cardinals as a franchise? My team plays Zona twice a year. I'll probably take a few moments now and then to consider their strengths and weaknesses. I might even take a moment to share my thoughts in a thread should the topic come up.

What's the difference? You lost a closer game? You blew it at the end so that bodes well for the future? Really?

I think the OP is trying to accomplish something here, as idiotic as it is.

 

[Devine Intervention]

So no ones thinks confidence, playing in multiple big games, breaking the losing mold of the last how ever many years...none of those things will help out going into next year???? come on, there is so much talent in the NFL, the difference in winning teams and losing teams alot to do with swager and knowing how to win. I think the Cards come away with alot of confidence and with a close loss like that are now hungry. Its like the Pats 16-0 season was nothing, they were just super bowl losers, might as well been the bengals.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I'm not really sure what this thread is supposed to accomplished. Major props to the Cardinals for their season and congrates to the Steelers.

Accomplish? What does any thread accomplish? Are you saying that the present and future of the Cardinals as a franchise aren't worthy of discussion? Is there some reason that people shouldn't share their perceptions of the Cardinals as a franchise? My team plays Zona twice a year. I'll probably take a few moments now and then to consider their strengths and weaknesses. I might even take a moment to share my thoughts in a thread should the topic come up.

What's the difference? You lost a closer game? You blew it at the end so that bodes well for the future? Really?

I think the OP is trying to accomplish something here, as idiotic as it is.

Sorry if my schedule is a little off. I'm supposed to patronize Cards fans, give them a pat on the head and tell them to hold their heads up high...right? It's not until July or August that we count them out of the Super Bowl?Look, I'm trying to accomplish an objective discussion of what the Cards will really bring to the table next year. I don't want to patronize their fans or pretend that losing a game in February means any level of success in September. Looking at the ownership, so many questions regarding skill players and the fact that their regular season was so mediocre, I see the same old cards and I explained why. Now, would you care to explain why losing a close game Sunday means anything for next year?

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

So no ones thinks confidence, playing in multiple big games, breaking the losing mold of the last how ever many years...none of those things will help out going into next year???? come on, there is so much talent in the NFL, the difference in winning teams and losing teams alot to do with swager and knowing how to win. I think the Cards come away with alot of confidence and with a close loss like that are now hungry. Its like the Pats 16-0 season was nothing, they were just super bowl losers, might as well been the bengals.

Except for all those rings they have that prove they're an elite team.

 

[The Jerk]

Legit competitor for 2009? Not really. Nearly winning a Super Bowl nets you the same loss as getting blown out. And I don't think anyone believes the Cardinals are the second-best team in the NFL. They're just this year's Super Bowl losers. Nice run that gets them nothing in the end and they're still the Cardinals. Sounds mean, but those are the facts. If you go, you gotta win.

I disagree. This year, I'm sure many players thought they knew what it takes to win a championship, thought they might be able to someday compete for one, etc. Now the KNOW that they could win a championship and that the talent/coaching is there to make it happen starting next year.The biggest change of all might be that the whole team now knows what it is like to win in the playoffs and participate in the Super Bowl game and all of the immense hype that leads up to it. Lost among all the other game analysis is the strong likelihood that the Steelers lose this game if they don't get out to the 10-0 lead. Maybe the ten points had nothing to do with the experience edge held by the Steelers, but it sure looked like the Cardinals defense played better once the contest became more of "just another game" and not the Super Bowl. Maybe both teams changed strategy a little once the Steelers got the lead, but I think at least part of it was the experience gap.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Legit competitor for 2009? Not really. Nearly winning a Super Bowl nets you the same loss as getting blown out. And I don't think anyone believes the Cardinals are the second-best team in the NFL. They're just this year's Super Bowl losers. Nice run that gets them nothing in the end and they're still the Cardinals. Sounds mean, but those are the facts. If you go, you gotta win.

I disagree. This year, I'm sure many players thought they knew what it takes to win a championship, thought they might be able to someday compete for one, etc. Now the KNOW that they could win a championship and that the talent/coaching is there to make it happen starting next year.The biggest change of all might be that the whole team now knows what it is like to win in the playoffs and participate in the Super Bowl game and all of the immense hype that leads up to it. Lost among all the other game analysis is the strong likelihood that the Steelers lose this game if they don't get out to the 10-0 lead. Maybe the ten points had nothing to do with the experience edge held by the Steelers, but it sure looked like the Cardinals defense played better once the contest became more of "just another game" and not the Super Bowl. Maybe both teams changed strategy a little once the Steelers got the lead, but I think at least part of it was the experience gap.

Okay, that's fair to say that now they have experience. But their experience is losing even though they had a lead. The Panthers had that same experience...and they lost to the Cardinals in the playoffs. The Giants had the experience of winning the Super Bowl in dramatic fashion and couldn't beat the Eagles at home. I also disagree that they know they could win a championship, because they haven't won one. I do think they have experience now. I just don't think that amounts for much when so many other teams have that same experience.

 

[Eminence]

Legit competitor for 2009? Not really. Nearly winning a Super Bowl nets you the same loss as getting blown out. And I don't think anyone believes the Cardinals are the second-best team in the NFL. They're just this year's Super Bowl losers. Nice run that gets them nothing in the end and they're still the Cardinals. Sounds mean, but those are the facts. If you go, you gotta win.

I disagree. This year, I'm sure many players thought they knew what it takes to win a championship, thought they might be able to someday compete for one, etc. Now the KNOW that they could win a championship and that the talent/coaching is there to make it happen starting next year.The biggest change of all might be that the whole team now knows what it is like to win in the playoffs and participate in the Super Bowl game and all of the immense hype that leads up to it. Lost among all the other game analysis is the strong likelihood that the Steelers lose this game if they don't get out to the 10-0 lead. Maybe the ten points had nothing to do with the experience edge held by the Steelers, but it sure looked like the Cardinals defense played better once the contest became more of "just another game" and not the Super Bowl. Maybe both teams changed strategy a little once the Steelers got the lead, but I think at least part of it was the experience gap.

Okay, that's fair to say that now they have experience. But their experience is losing even though they had a lead. The Panthers had that same experience...and they lost to the Cardinals in the playoffs. The Giants had the experience of winning the Super Bowl in dramatic fashion and couldn't beat the Eagles at home. I also disagree that they know they could win a championship, because they haven't won one. I do think they have experience now. I just don't think that amounts for much when so many other teams have that same experience.

Before the season, they were coming off 9-Straight non-winning seasons. They rallied through the NFC during the playoffs. They nearly won the Super Bowl. You're saying that they'd be the same exact team even if they posted a 6-10 record?By your logic every team remains the same the following year, regardless of any amount of success they have?

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Legit competitor for 2009? Not really. Nearly winning a Super Bowl nets you the same loss as getting blown out. And I don't think anyone believes the Cardinals are the second-best team in the NFL. They're just this year's Super Bowl losers. Nice run that gets them nothing in the end and they're still the Cardinals. Sounds mean, but those are the facts. If you go, you gotta win.

I disagree. This year, I'm sure many players thought they knew what it takes to win a championship, thought they might be able to someday compete for one, etc. Now the KNOW that they could win a championship and that the talent/coaching is there to make it happen starting next year.The biggest change of all might be that the whole team now knows what it is like to win in the playoffs and participate in the Super Bowl game and all of the immense hype that leads up to it. Lost among all the other game analysis is the strong likelihood that the Steelers lose this game if they don't get out to the 10-0 lead. Maybe the ten points had nothing to do with the experience edge held by the Steelers, but it sure looked like the Cardinals defense played better once the contest became more of "just another game" and not the Super Bowl. Maybe both teams changed strategy a little once the Steelers got the lead, but I think at least part of it was the experience gap.

Okay, that's fair to say that now they have experience. But their experience is losing even though they had a lead. The Panthers had that same experience...and they lost to the Cardinals in the playoffs. The Giants had the experience of winning the Super Bowl in dramatic fashion and couldn't beat the Eagles at home. I also disagree that they know they could win a championship, because they haven't won one. I do think they have experience now. I just don't think that amounts for much when so many other teams have that same experience.

Before the season, they were coming off 9-Straight non-winning seasons. They rallied through the NFC during the playoffs. They nearly won the Super Bowl. You're saying that they'd be the same exact team even if they posted a 6-10 record?By your logic every team remains the same the following year, regardless of any amount of success they have?

I'm taking into account the team's owner, their possible losses at skill positions and the fact that their regular season was mediocre. They won their playoff games fair and square, but the Falcons game was close and the Eagles game could have gone either way. They deserved to be where they were but I don't think they'll get anywhere close to that in 2009 for the reasons I mentioned. Nearly won the Super Bowl isn't anything like winning the Super Bowl. If they had won I'd still say they're looking at a tough 2009...but at least they'd always have this title. Now they have a SB loss.

 

[drummer]

I'm not really sure what this thread is supposed to accomplished. Major props to the Cardinals for their season and congrates to the Steelers.

Accomplish? What does any thread accomplish? Are you saying that the present and future of the Cardinals as a franchise aren't worthy of discussion? Is there some reason that people shouldn't share their perceptions of the Cardinals as a franchise? My team plays Zona twice a year. I'll probably take a few moments now and then to consider their strengths and weaknesses. I might even take a moment to share my thoughts in a thread should the topic come up.

What's the difference? You lost a closer game? You blew it at the end so that bodes well for the future? Really?

I think the OP is trying to accomplish something here, as idiotic as it is.

Sorry if my schedule is a little off. I'm supposed to patronize Cards fans, give them a pat on the head and tell them to hold their heads up high...right? It's not until July or August that we count them out of the Super Bowl?Look, I'm trying to accomplish an objective discussion of what the Cards will really bring to the table next year. I don't want to patronize their fans or pretend that losing a game in February means any level of success in September. Looking at the ownership, so many questions regarding skill players and the fact that their regular season was so mediocre, I see the same old cards and I explained why. Now, would you care to explain why losing a close game Sunday means anything for next year?

Well, it would help you if you knew what you were talking about. Just my 2 cents.

 

[brobe4]

Runnerups have not faired well the next year.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

I'm not really sure what this thread is supposed to accomplished. Major props to the Cardinals for their season and congrates to the Steelers.

Accomplish? What does any thread accomplish? Are you saying that the present and future of the Cardinals as a franchise aren't worthy of discussion? Is there some reason that people shouldn't share their perceptions of the Cardinals as a franchise? My team plays Zona twice a year. I'll probably take a few moments now and then to consider their strengths and weaknesses. I might even take a moment to share my thoughts in a thread should the topic come up.

What's the difference? You lost a closer game? You blew it at the end so that bodes well for the future? Really?

I think the OP is trying to accomplish something here, as idiotic as it is.

Sorry if my schedule is a little off. I'm supposed to patronize Cards fans, give them a pat on the head and tell them to hold their heads up high...right? It's not until July or August that we count them out of the Super Bowl?Look, I'm trying to accomplish an objective discussion of what the Cards will really bring to the table next year. I don't want to patronize their fans or pretend that losing a game in February means any level of success in September. Looking at the ownership, so many questions regarding skill players and the fact that their regular season was so mediocre, I see the same old cards and I explained why.

Now, would you care to explain why losing a close game Sunday means anything for next year?

Well, it would help you if you knew what you were talking about. Just my 2 cents.

Translation: No, I can't explain why losing a close game Sunday means anything for next year. May I blame it on you instead?No problem. Just let me know when you come up with something.

 

[drummer]

I'm not really sure what this thread is supposed to accomplished. Major props to the Cardinals for their season and congrates to the Steelers.

Accomplish? What does any thread accomplish? Are you saying that the present and future of the Cardinals as a franchise aren't worthy of discussion? Is there some reason that people shouldn't share their perceptions of the Cardinals as a franchise? My team plays Zona twice a year. I'll probably take a few moments now and then to consider their strengths and weaknesses. I might even take a moment to share my thoughts in a thread should the topic come up.

What's the difference? You lost a closer game? You blew it at the end so that bodes well for the future? Really?

I think the OP is trying to accomplish something here, as idiotic as it is.

Sorry if my schedule is a little off. I'm supposed to patronize Cards fans, give them a pat on the head and tell them to hold their heads up high...right? It's not until July or August that we count them out of the Super Bowl?Look, I'm trying to accomplish an objective discussion of what the Cards will really bring to the table next year. I don't want to patronize their fans or pretend that losing a game in February means any level of success in September. Looking at the ownership, so many questions regarding skill players and the fact that their regular season was so mediocre, I see the same old cards and I explained why.

Now, would you care to explain why losing a close game Sunday means anything for next year?

Well, it would help you if you knew what you were talking about. Just my 2 cents.

Translation: No, I can't explain why losing a close game Sunday means anything for next year. May I blame it on you instead?No problem. Just let me know when you come up with something.

I did, on my first post in this thread. To which, pretty much explained what you know.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Your first post in this thread critiqued my post but offered nothing as to your own thoughts. So far, you've disagreed with something I wrote, said my purpose was idiotic and said I didn't know what I was talking about. Sounds like you can offer insults...but are kind of light in backing up actual positions.

That's okay. Lots of posters like that. So like I said, if you ever figure out what losing Sunday means for the Cardinals in '09, you feel free to share, okay?

 

[drummer]

Your first post in this thread critiqued my post but offered nothing as to your own thoughts. So far, you've disagreed with something I wrote, said my purpose was idiotic and said I didn't know what I was talking about. Sounds like you can offer insults...but are kind of light in backing up actual positions.

That's okay. Lots of posters like that. So like I said, if you ever figure out what losing Sunday means for the Cardinals in '09, you feel free to share, okay?

Let's see here, what does losing a Super Bowl mean to the Cards....It means they played in one?

I don't know which team you root for, but unless you're a Steeler or Cards fan, well....

If you feel I didn't explain that well enough to you, then you are really reading too much into it.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Your first post in this thread critiqued my post but offered nothing as to your own thoughts. So far, you've disagreed with something I wrote, said my purpose was idiotic and said I didn't know what I was talking about. Sounds like you can offer insults...but are kind of light in backing up actual positions.

That's okay. Lots of posters like that. So like I said, if you ever figure out what losing Sunday means for the Cardinals in '09, you feel free to share, okay?

Let's see here, what does losing a Super Bowl mean to the Cards....It means they played in one?

I don't know which team you root for, but unless you're a Steeler or Cards fan, well....

If you feel I didn't explain that well enough to you, then you are really reading too much into it.

So that's it? They played in one? It means nothing else? Great! We agree. Like I said, same old Cards. Next.

 

[drummer]

Your first post in this thread critiqued my post but offered nothing as to your own thoughts. So far, you've disagreed with something I wrote, said my purpose was idiotic and said I didn't know what I was talking about. Sounds like you can offer insults...but are kind of light in backing up actual positions.

That's okay. Lots of posters like that. So like I said, if you ever figure out what losing Sunday means for the Cardinals in '09, you feel free to share, okay?

Let's see here, what does losing a Super Bowl mean to the Cards....It means they played in one?

I don't know which team you root for, but unless you're a Steeler or Cards fan, well....

If you feel I didn't explain that well enough to you, then you are really reading too much into it.

So that's it? They played in one? It means nothing else? Great! We agree. Like I said, same old Cards. Next.

For even further perspective: both DAL and SF won their last Super Bowls, and they haven't been back there since. You see, where you made your mistake in this thread, is, well, not just in your premise, but by making yourself part of the argument. That's where you failed. So therefore, if anybody calls it idiotic, don't get too hurt by it.

BTW, the same old Cards didn't have a shiny new crib. Not even the Yorks can pull that off.

 

[The Jerk]

I also disagree that they know they could win a championship, because they haven't won one. I do think they have experience now. I just don't think that amounts for much when so many other teams have that same experience.

It always depends on what you do with it. Losing can eat away at your confidence and make you press too hard the next time the same opportunity comes along... or it can motivate you to work out more all offseason, study more in the film room, practice harder and smarter, etc. all because you don't want to fall short again.It's fair to say that the Cardinals showed that they are not yet a championship team. It is not fair to say that their playoff run accomplished nothing or meant nothing in the long run. We'll know in a few years whether this was a one-hit-wonder or the beginning of a sustained competitive team, but it's not fair to assume this team will continue to be a failure just because it has been a failure for so long. Look no further than to the opposing sideline to see that the cycle can be broken. It took the Steelers 40 years to win a single playoff game. In the ensuing 36 years they have won six Super Bowl championships, and in what is an interesting statistical comment on their consistency, the Steelers have not gone five consecutive years without a playoff victory since 1967-1971.